Highways Agency: 'New system has improved Handy Cross traffic flow'

THE Highways Authority says congestion at Handy Cross has reduced since a new traffic signal system was implemented.

The agency installed the Split Cycle Optimisation Offset Technique (SCOOT) traffic system in February and believes it has improved traffic flow and reduced queuing traffic on the roundabout.

But it has acknowledged motorists travelling from Marlow Bottom to the roundabout via Wycombe Road are facing increased waiting times.

The agency said: “The project successfully improved traffic flow around this busy roundabout and has reduced the potential for queuing traffic on the A404 and M40 slip roads – which would be a real safety hazard due to the higher speed of traffic on those roads.

“We are aware that waiting times on Wycombe Road have increased during peak periods.

“We are continuing the monitor the operation of the signals and we are working closely with Transport for Buckinghamshire to identify available options while ensuring the safety of road users.”

The county council’s ward member for West Wycombe, Cllr Darren Hayday, has urged Marlow residents to share their experiences of their drive into Wycombe to press the agency into action.

He said: “Over the last few months, the traffic coming from Marlow Bottom has been really bad – a lot of people have complained.

“I would be interested to find out the experiences of Marlow residents as traffic modelling and computer modelling only tells you so much.”

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The SCOOT system is designed to automatically adjust the traffic light signalling times by using sensors to read traffic flow.

The upgrade cost £160,000 as part of a national pinch point programme.

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Comments (17)

Although the new system may have improved traffic flow around Handy Cross roundabout, this is largely due to the fact that traffic travelling from Marlow and Marlow Bottom along Burroughs Grove/ Wycombe Road cannot gain access to the roundabout as the signalling does not shut off the traffic flow around the roundabout soon enough allowing it to back up round the roundabout and completely block the junction of Wycombe Road/ Handy Cross. If the traffic lights by the Holiday Inn on the roundabout were to turn green a few seconds earlier and the traffic lights on the roundabout between the Marlow Bypass (A404) and Wycombe Road were to turn red a few seconds earlier as well, the problem would be solved..........and I managed to work that out without the use of a computer or a degree in traffic management!

Although the new system may have improved traffic flow around Handy Cross roundabout, this is largely due to the fact that traffic travelling from Marlow and Marlow Bottom along Burroughs Grove/ Wycombe Road cannot gain access to the roundabout as the signalling does not shut off the traffic flow around the roundabout soon enough allowing it to back up round the roundabout and completely block the junction of Wycombe Road/ Handy Cross. If the traffic lights by the Holiday Inn on the roundabout were to turn green a few seconds earlier and the traffic lights on the roundabout between the Marlow Bypass (A404) and Wycombe Road were to turn red a few seconds earlier as well, the problem would be solved..........and I managed to work that out without the use of a computer or a degree in traffic management!T.C.

Although the new system may have improved traffic flow around Handy Cross roundabout, this is largely due to the fact that traffic travelling from Marlow and Marlow Bottom along Burroughs Grove/ Wycombe Road cannot gain access to the roundabout as the signalling does not shut off the traffic flow around the roundabout soon enough allowing it to back up round the roundabout and completely block the junction of Wycombe Road/ Handy Cross. If the traffic lights by the Holiday Inn on the roundabout were to turn green a few seconds earlier and the traffic lights on the roundabout between the Marlow Bypass (A404) and Wycombe Road were to turn red a few seconds earlier as well, the problem would be solved..........and I managed to work that out without the use of a computer or a degree in traffic management!

Score: 32

Emma179 says...1:35pm Wed 16 Jul 14

Now they need to work out the lights at the bottom of the Pastures as it takes ages to get out of Wycombe since it all changed.

Now they need to work out the lights at the bottom of the Pastures as it takes ages to get out of Wycombe since it all changed.Emma179

Now they need to work out the lights at the bottom of the Pastures as it takes ages to get out of Wycombe since it all changed.

Score: 7

Good Life says...1:48pm Wed 16 Jul 14

This must be why vehicles were still proceeding from Marlow towards Wycombe when my signal was green coming of the south direction M40 slip road or was it just four ignorant drivers going through a red signal.

This must be why vehicles were still proceeding from Marlow towards Wycombe when my signal was green coming of the south direction M40 slip road or was it just four ignorant drivers going through a red signal.Good Life

This must be why vehicles were still proceeding from Marlow towards Wycombe when my signal was green coming of the south direction M40 slip road or was it just four ignorant drivers going through a red signal.

Score: 8

Darren Hayday says...1:57pm Wed 16 Jul 14

The traffic has been a nightmare lately. I wish that the HA would come down and monitor the roundabout lights. I do now travel down the Marlow Bypass and it is a lot clearer. The HA state that they will not do anything about if for 6 months! I would like to hear from anyone who is still experiencing problems as I'm sure that the HA aren’t getting it right.

The traffic has been a nightmare lately. I wish that the HA would come down and monitor the roundabout lights. I do now travel down the Marlow Bypass and it is a lot clearer. The HA state that they will not do anything about if for 6 months! I would like to hear from anyone who is still experiencing problems as I'm sure that the HA aren’t getting it right.Darren Hayday

The traffic has been a nightmare lately. I wish that the HA would come down and monitor the roundabout lights. I do now travel down the Marlow Bypass and it is a lot clearer. The HA state that they will not do anything about if for 6 months! I would like to hear from anyone who is still experiencing problems as I'm sure that the HA aren’t getting it right.

Score: 8

Darren Hayday says...4:55pm Wed 16 Jul 14

Emma179 wrote…

Now they need to work out the lights at the bottom of the Pastures as it takes ages to get out of Wycombe since it all changed.

Emma - pls email me when you can d_hayday@hotmail.com as I can put you in touch with the lead officer at BCC dealing with the new layout inc lights.

[quote][p][bold]Emma179[/bold] wrote:
Now they need to work out the lights at the bottom of the Pastures as it takes ages to get out of Wycombe since it all changed.[/p][/quote]Emma - pls email me when you can d_hayday@hotmail.com as I can put you in touch with the lead officer at BCC dealing with the new layout inc lights.Darren Hayday

Emma179 wrote…

Now they need to work out the lights at the bottom of the Pastures as it takes ages to get out of Wycombe since it all changed.

Emma - pls email me when you can d_hayday@hotmail.com as I can put you in touch with the lead officer at BCC dealing with the new layout inc lights.

Score: 2

BOOKERite says...7:50pm Wed 16 Jul 14

Just wait until the extra traffic from the Waste Transfer Station and the new Next store start using Handy Cross, has anyone thought that problem through ... and then of course how about the new Waitrose, and the proposed business headquarters etc. When will BCC learn ,,,, first you improve the infrastructure then you build, not the other way round.

Just wait until the extra traffic from the Waste Transfer Station and the new Next store start using Handy Cross, has anyone thought that problem through ... and then of course how about the new Waitrose, and the proposed business headquarters etc. When will BCC learn ,,,, first you improve the infrastructure then you build, not the other way round.BOOKERite

Just wait until the extra traffic from the Waste Transfer Station and the new Next store start using Handy Cross, has anyone thought that problem through ... and then of course how about the new Waitrose, and the proposed business headquarters etc. When will BCC learn ,,,, first you improve the infrastructure then you build, not the other way round.

Score: 9

holly4 says...9:34am Thu 17 Jul 14

Getting onto the roundabout at peak time from Marlow Bottom is ridiculous. Due to the amount of traffic coming round, when the lights go green there is only chance for one ( occasionally two) cars to get out if they are in the left hand lane and staying there. In my experience this causes more people to exit in the right hand lane and then jump back into the lane they actually wanted straight after the traffic lights... Causing potential accidents .... Or they crawl through on amber light and have nowhere to go so they end up sitting on the wrong side of the lights.

Getting onto the roundabout at peak time from Marlow Bottom is ridiculous. Due to the amount of traffic coming round, when the lights go green there is only chance for one ( occasionally two) cars to get out if they are in the left hand lane and staying there. In my experience this causes more people to exit in the right hand lane and then jump back into the lane they actually wanted straight after the traffic lights... Causing potential accidents .... Or they crawl through on amber light and have nowhere to go so they end up sitting on the wrong side of the lights.holly4

Getting onto the roundabout at peak time from Marlow Bottom is ridiculous. Due to the amount of traffic coming round, when the lights go green there is only chance for one ( occasionally two) cars to get out if they are in the left hand lane and staying there. In my experience this causes more people to exit in the right hand lane and then jump back into the lane they actually wanted straight after the traffic lights... Causing potential accidents .... Or they crawl through on amber light and have nowhere to go so they end up sitting on the wrong side of the lights.

Score: 11

Darren Hayday says...1:35pm Thu 17 Jul 14

holly4 wrote…

Getting onto the roundabout at peak time from Marlow Bottom is ridiculous. Due to the amount of traffic coming round, when the lights go green there is only chance for one ( occasionally two) cars to get out if they are in the left hand lane and staying there. In my experience this causes more people to exit in the right hand lane and then jump back into the lane they actually wanted straight after the traffic lights... Causing potential accidents .... Or they crawl through on amber light and have nowhere to go so they end up sitting on the wrong side of the lights.

This is exactly what I'm talking about - thank you Holly for bringing this up! I used to take my child to school going into Marlow Bottom and saw the terrible traffic coming into Wycombe, then I used to come back this way - but not anymore. I am going to draw a gentleman from HA to this article so that he can see where the problems are. Thank you.

[quote][p][bold]holly4[/bold] wrote:
Getting onto the roundabout at peak time from Marlow Bottom is ridiculous. Due to the amount of traffic coming round, when the lights go green there is only chance for one ( occasionally two) cars to get out if they are in the left hand lane and staying there. In my experience this causes more people to exit in the right hand lane and then jump back into the lane they actually wanted straight after the traffic lights... Causing potential accidents .... Or they crawl through on amber light and have nowhere to go so they end up sitting on the wrong side of the lights.[/p][/quote]This is exactly what I'm talking about - thank you Holly for bringing this up! I used to take my child to school going into Marlow Bottom and saw the terrible traffic coming into Wycombe, then I used to come back this way - but not anymore. I am going to draw a gentleman from HA to this article so that he can see where the problems are. Thank you.Darren Hayday

holly4 wrote…

Getting onto the roundabout at peak time from Marlow Bottom is ridiculous. Due to the amount of traffic coming round, when the lights go green there is only chance for one ( occasionally two) cars to get out if they are in the left hand lane and staying there. In my experience this causes more people to exit in the right hand lane and then jump back into the lane they actually wanted straight after the traffic lights... Causing potential accidents .... Or they crawl through on amber light and have nowhere to go so they end up sitting on the wrong side of the lights.

This is exactly what I'm talking about - thank you Holly for bringing this up! I used to take my child to school going into Marlow Bottom and saw the terrible traffic coming into Wycombe, then I used to come back this way - but not anymore. I am going to draw a gentleman from HA to this article so that he can see where the problems are. Thank you.

Score: 2

Agniesca says...1:42pm Thu 17 Jul 14

Try the Marlow to Lane End road and turn right by Norcutts Nursery, or go via the Bisham roundabout up Winter Hill and then Via Bourne End & Flackwell Heath. I walk rather than use Handy Cross and Marlow Hill

Try the Marlow to Lane End road and turn right by Norcutts Nursery, or go via the Bisham roundabout up Winter Hill and then Via Bourne End & Flackwell Heath. I walk rather than use Handy Cross and Marlow HillAgniesca

Try the Marlow to Lane End road and turn right by Norcutts Nursery, or go via the Bisham roundabout up Winter Hill and then Via Bourne End & Flackwell Heath. I walk rather than use Handy Cross and Marlow Hill

Score: 3

KrissieJS says...6:12pm Thu 17 Jul 14

I don't think so!!!!

I don't think so!!!!KrissieJS

I don't think so!!!!

Score: -1

wicksandrea says...9:29am Fri 18 Jul 14

I was under the mistaken belief that local traffic should be priority, but the traffic through Handy Cross has been a disaster via Wycombe Rd/Marlow Bottom, my journey time has increased by 20 mins a day. The turn off to Asda/Aylesbury is a particular problem and urgently needs 3 lanes leading off the roundabout.

I was under the mistaken belief that local traffic should be priority, but the traffic through Handy Cross has been a disaster via Wycombe Rd/Marlow Bottom, my journey time has increased by 20 mins a day. The turn off to Asda/Aylesbury is a particular problem and urgently needs 3 lanes leading off the roundabout.wicksandrea

I was under the mistaken belief that local traffic should be priority, but the traffic through Handy Cross has been a disaster via Wycombe Rd/Marlow Bottom, my journey time has increased by 20 mins a day. The turn off to Asda/Aylesbury is a particular problem and urgently needs 3 lanes leading off the roundabout.

Score: 3

ryeman says...10:37am Fri 18 Jul 14

I can only echo the comments above regarding the difficulty entering the roundabout from Marlow Bottom direction in the afternoon rush hour. If you are in the left lane heading for the A4010 your entrance is constantly blocked by traffic already on the roundabout. To avoid this many cars use the middle lane then cut back in once on the roundabout. It seems far more users want to exit at the A4010 than the current set-up allows for. However some of the drivers in the left lane continue around past the A4010 exit and leave the roundabout on the Marlow Road towards Wycombe. This exit is not on the signposts so maybe if those drivers were encouraged to use the middle lane then the queue in the left lane would be somewhat lessened?

I can only echo the comments above regarding the difficulty entering the roundabout from Marlow Bottom direction in the afternoon rush hour. If you are in the left lane heading for the A4010 your entrance is constantly blocked by traffic already on the roundabout. To avoid this many cars use the middle lane then cut back in once on the roundabout. It seems far more users want to exit at the A4010 than the current set-up allows for.
However some of the drivers in the left lane continue around past the A4010 exit and leave the roundabout on the Marlow Road towards Wycombe. This exit is not on the signposts so maybe if those drivers were encouraged to use the middle lane then the queue in the left lane would be somewhat lessened?ryeman

I can only echo the comments above regarding the difficulty entering the roundabout from Marlow Bottom direction in the afternoon rush hour. If you are in the left lane heading for the A4010 your entrance is constantly blocked by traffic already on the roundabout. To avoid this many cars use the middle lane then cut back in once on the roundabout. It seems far more users want to exit at the A4010 than the current set-up allows for. However some of the drivers in the left lane continue around past the A4010 exit and leave the roundabout on the Marlow Road towards Wycombe. This exit is not on the signposts so maybe if those drivers were encouraged to use the middle lane then the queue in the left lane would be somewhat lessened?

Score: 3

ParsleyLion says...12:24pm Fri 18 Jul 14

Echo the comments above about difficulties of turning on A4010. Yesterday morning there were 6 cars ahead of me, but it took 5 cycles before I could get through on green and even then the traffic in left hand lane for Asda and Aylesbury turns was balked slightly by those who had come from the bypass. I understand that stopping the tailbacks on the Marlow bypass is a real bonus but surely a small tweak to the timing of the lights by the Holiday Inn would help A4010 enormously.

Echo the comments above about difficulties of turning on A4010. Yesterday morning there were 6 cars ahead of me, but it took 5 cycles before I could get through on green and even then the traffic in left hand lane for Asda and Aylesbury turns was balked slightly by those who had come from the bypass. I understand that stopping the tailbacks on the Marlow bypass is a real bonus but surely a small tweak to the timing of the lights by the Holiday Inn would help A4010 enormously.ParsleyLion

Echo the comments above about difficulties of turning on A4010. Yesterday morning there were 6 cars ahead of me, but it took 5 cycles before I could get through on green and even then the traffic in left hand lane for Asda and Aylesbury turns was balked slightly by those who had come from the bypass. I understand that stopping the tailbacks on the Marlow bypass is a real bonus but surely a small tweak to the timing of the lights by the Holiday Inn would help A4010 enormously.

Score: 0

only.me says...3:38pm Fri 18 Jul 14

ryeman wrote…

I can only echo the comments above regarding the difficulty entering the roundabout from Marlow Bottom direction in the afternoon rush hour. If you are in the left lane heading for the A4010 your entrance is constantly blocked by traffic already on the roundabout. To avoid this many cars use the middle lane then cut back in once on the roundabout. It seems far more users want to exit at the A4010 than the current set-up allows for. However some of the drivers in the left lane continue around past the A4010 exit and leave the roundabout on the Marlow Road towards Wycombe. This exit is not on the signposts so maybe if those drivers were encouraged to use the middle lane then the queue in the left lane would be somewhat lessened?

If they were in the middle lane, they would be in the wrong lane for turning down Marlow Road. The left lane is for A4010 AND Marlow Road. Encouraging anyone to do otherwise without repainting the road accordingly is irresponsible. On a side note, it amazes me how many people in the middle lane on the other side (i.e. A404 only) cut straight across those in the outside lane and head for Wycombe Road or the M40.

[quote][p][bold]ryeman[/bold] wrote:
I can only echo the comments above regarding the difficulty entering the roundabout from Marlow Bottom direction in the afternoon rush hour. If you are in the left lane heading for the A4010 your entrance is constantly blocked by traffic already on the roundabout. To avoid this many cars use the middle lane then cut back in once on the roundabout. It seems far more users want to exit at the A4010 than the current set-up allows for.
However some of the drivers in the left lane continue around past the A4010 exit and leave the roundabout on the Marlow Road towards Wycombe. This exit is not on the signposts so maybe if those drivers were encouraged to use the middle lane then the queue in the left lane would be somewhat lessened?[/p][/quote]If they were in the middle lane, they would be in the wrong lane for turning down Marlow Road. The left lane is for A4010 AND Marlow Road. Encouraging anyone to do otherwise without repainting the road accordingly is irresponsible.
On a side note, it amazes me how many people in the middle lane on the other side (i.e. A404 only) cut straight across those in the outside lane and head for Wycombe Road or the M40.only.me

ryeman wrote…

I can only echo the comments above regarding the difficulty entering the roundabout from Marlow Bottom direction in the afternoon rush hour. If you are in the left lane heading for the A4010 your entrance is constantly blocked by traffic already on the roundabout. To avoid this many cars use the middle lane then cut back in once on the roundabout. It seems far more users want to exit at the A4010 than the current set-up allows for. However some of the drivers in the left lane continue around past the A4010 exit and leave the roundabout on the Marlow Road towards Wycombe. This exit is not on the signposts so maybe if those drivers were encouraged to use the middle lane then the queue in the left lane would be somewhat lessened?

If they were in the middle lane, they would be in the wrong lane for turning down Marlow Road. The left lane is for A4010 AND Marlow Road. Encouraging anyone to do otherwise without repainting the road accordingly is irresponsible. On a side note, it amazes me how many people in the middle lane on the other side (i.e. A404 only) cut straight across those in the outside lane and head for Wycombe Road or the M40.

Score: 0

Sputnik1 says...10:03pm Fri 18 Jul 14

How about a campaign on twitter to @tfbalerts and@highwaysagency. Anyone using a hashtag for this?

How about a campaign on twitter to @tfbalerts and@highwaysagency. Anyone using a hashtag for this?Sputnik1

How about a campaign on twitter to @tfbalerts and@highwaysagency. Anyone using a hashtag for this?

Score: 1

zephyrgyn says...5:31pm Tue 22 Jul 14

When they first had the design for the roundabout I suggested two things: 1) Cameras to stop people jumping lights - as holly says people don't stop as it turns to red. 2) that the lane to booker exits to cressex only and not also towards marlow road because it only takes 4 cars or a long lorry going to marlow road to block up that exit.. Both were rejected as not necessary.

When they first had the design for the roundabout I suggested two things:
1) Cameras to stop people jumping lights - as holly says people don't stop as it turns to red.
2) that the lane to booker exits to cressex only and not also towards marlow road because it only takes 4 cars or a long lorry going to marlow road to block up that exit..
Both were rejected as not necessary.zephyrgyn

When they first had the design for the roundabout I suggested two things: 1) Cameras to stop people jumping lights - as holly says people don't stop as it turns to red. 2) that the lane to booker exits to cressex only and not also towards marlow road because it only takes 4 cars or a long lorry going to marlow road to block up that exit.. Both were rejected as not necessary.

Score: 2

zephyrgyn says...5:33pm Tue 22 Jul 14

And I agree with "only me" about the other side heading towards A404 South. All the lanes can go straight down the A404. The right hand lane only is for Marlow bottom and M40 North. The number of times I get cut up by people in the middle lane turning right is ridiculous. The signs are quite obvious that way.

And I agree with "only me" about the other side heading towards A404 South. All the lanes can go straight down the A404. The right hand lane only is for Marlow bottom and M40 North. The number of times I get cut up by people in the middle lane turning right is ridiculous. The signs are quite obvious that way.zephyrgyn

And I agree with "only me" about the other side heading towards A404 South. All the lanes can go straight down the A404. The right hand lane only is for Marlow bottom and M40 North. The number of times I get cut up by people in the middle lane turning right is ridiculous. The signs are quite obvious that way.

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